…And You Will Know Us By The Trail of The Dead (aka Trail of the Dead) is an alternative rock band from Texas. Based on my enjoyment of their latest album “Tao of the Dead,” I decided to see them perform live the next time the came to New York. The night was April 29, 2011 and rather than just being great live, they were incredible! Before the end of their way too short hour long set, they rocked the hell out of the Bowery Ballroom in New York. Bizarrely, they were not the headlining act (but a huge chunk of the crowd left after Trail of the Dead was finished). If you don’t know their music, it’s very loud, fast and rockin’! Musically, they are like a progressive rock band with a very hard edge. The sound translates very well on stage and I definitely did not want the set to end. The band members traded off on vocals and switched instruments multiple times and they are all extremely talented to be able to pull it off so effortlessly.

And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of The Dead

The sounds that came from the stage definitely seemed louder and more full than what is possible to come out of just 4 people. The crowd responded by throwing a huge party on the floor of the Bowery Ballroom. People were moshing, throwing drinks and body slamming. It was quite a site to behold (read: I am so happy I was in the balcony overlooking the action instead of being in it). I hope Trail of the Dead come back soon to rock my world again.

See the set list as well as a photo of my encounter with Conrad Keely after the jump.